Chapter 9 BREAKING NEWS

Anesha's POV

The minute we step out of the car, we're greeted by the head manager and her team. A sexy redhead, dressed particularly provocative. Is that how everyone's dressing to work these days or was it just her? She's shocked to see me by his side but she masks it rather quickly.

"Sir, it's been too long. We've prepared some wines. Would you like to sample a few before we get down to business?" She purrs at him, whipping lush red hair over her shoulder.

Deimos turns to me. Is he asking me what I want? "Um, that would be fine."

"We'll look at the wines. Do you have anything in particular you'd like, Darling?"

"Something fruity?"

The manager looks between us, before throwing me a withering look and giving us a salesy smile. Was she offended by my presence? "Of course, right this way. Are you looking to tune your car or get a new one? We have the Rolls Royce Boat Tail you requested the last time in the finest shade of blue. A few Bugattis are available that I think would be a lovely addition to your collection, of course."

"That's good but we're not here for me." All eyes turn to me and I instinctively reach for his hand. She looks down at it and scrowls. I look around and notice she isn't the only one giving me Ill looks. "Do you have anything you'd want in particular?"

"Perharps a Must–"

"We have a few Toyota's. Infact, I know just the car. Please follow me." She turns on her heel and walks off. Deimos follows along, a half smile on his face. Does he serious not know what's going on? I glare at her back and her perfectly rounded ass. She has a strut to die for and thin, straight legs. Her tan skin is practically glowing. She's dressed in denim shorts, a blazer and stiletto heels. And I'm stuck in my office wear, looking like a basic B.

It's been hours and my feet hurt but Sexy Car Manager has been droning on and on about some Mini Cooper that's "just perfect for someone like me."

She cuts me off everytime I try to speak and somehow, her ass always ends up in the air because she can't stop bending over. It doesn't help that Deimos is just sitting there, not saying a damn thing while she shows off her ass. I'm this close to blowing up.

"Thank you for your apt presentation but I don't want this car. It's–"

"It's perfect for you. I mean, we can even get it in pink. I know you want to try the bigger boys but, this is a lot safer and easier to handle. Trust me, those cars," she points at the Ferraris and Bugattis behind Deimos, "are better for looking at. You should never touch them." She gives me a cocky grin.

This bitch. I smile back, walking away from her to the Ferraris. "Oh but what do you know? I do want those cars. And I don't think–"

"As I said–"

"I. Don't. Care what you said. And if you cut me again when I'm speaking, I'll make sure you can't speak again." She purses her lips, glaring at me. "Good. Now walk your pretty ass over there and pick out a good Ferrari. Let's start from there. Oh, and I don't see an extra glass for the wine. Was that an oversight?"

"I'm sure–"

"Fix it. Now."

I watch them scurry around and get me a glass. I take a sip. It's delicious. Quite possibly the best wine I've ever had. "Oh, what is this? How much is this?" I say, looking as disgusted as I can be.

"That's a 2011 Verdandi et Frescos. The price is irrelevant to its value and –"

"So it's cheap. You're serving us cheap wine? When we're buying a Ferrari?"

"W–we have a better stock inside if you'd–"

"If you're not giving us the better stock, then who are you saving it for?"

She's visibly shaken, eyes darting to Deimos for help. For a minute, I think he'll take her side. "Answer her. If you're not saving the better stock for the Escarrás, who are you keeping it for?" He says as cold as ice.

She immediately folds up, fumbling over her words. "I am genuinely sorry. I–I didn't mean to offend you. I'll get another bottle right away. And if you just follow me, I'll take you to the cars."

I press my fingers to my temple, exhausted. "No need. You've already wasted my time. This was supposed to be a fun date but I feel so irritated, I just can't stand being here for another second. Can we just go home?" I give Deimos my biggest puppy dog eyes. His eyes darken, just like they did in the bar and I struggle to stay in character. I can't stop the thrill I feel at the heat of his gaze. It makes me want more.

"Mustang! We can get you a Mustang. And I have several Lamborghinis that'll be perfect for you."

I pause, enjoying the desperation in her eyes. Deimos looks me over, clearly impressed. Maybe it was time I turned my attention to someone else. I shimmy over to where he's sitting and plop myself right on his lap. He stiffens, his hands finding their way to my lower back after a second. It takes more willpower to ignore the warmth spreading there than I thought. I'm thrown back to that day at his office and all the anger in me is gone. "Can I get a pink Lamborghini?" I rub against his thigh, running a finger down his chest.

His ears turn a beautiful shade of red and his voice comes out a little rougher. "You can have anything you want, Darling."

I giggle, pressing a kiss to his cheeks and whisper in his ears, "Thank you Daddy."

She scurries away to put things in place, giving us just enough privacy that I can finally froen at him. "Did you know she was being rude to me from the start?" he nods. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because you didn't say anything. If she'd gone overboard, I would have naturally stepped in but you're an Escarrá. You need to command respect if you want to stay by my side. If someone tossed wine at you, smash a bottle over their head."

"I think I'd make too much of a headline if I smashed a bottle over Diana Escarrá s head." I giggle.

His grip on my waist tightens slightly. "You know what I mean. She wouldn't be the only one thinking they can take a hit at you. You have to let everyone know that you are above them simply because you are. This is what it means to be an Escarrá."

As soon as we step out of the building, I catch a man at the side taking pictures. Another writing rapidly into his note book. There's a car by the side with a camera poking out as well. Deimos keeps me tucked by his side, oblivious to them. Is this it? Our official announcement? Well, I'll be damned if a bad photo of me comes out tomorrow.

I pull Deimos closer when we get to the car. He pins me to the door, surprised. "What are you–?"

I draw him in and press myself up against him, standing on my toes. His arms come around me slowly and rest on my back. I bury my head in his neck, subconsciously, breathing in his cologne. It's a subtle woody scent and for a minute, I don't want to let go. He pulls away, cupping my face in his hands, questions in his eyes.

I pull away before it gets too heated, struggling to find words as i regain myself. "Paparazzi."

He nods, understanding immediately and we step into the car. The tenderness is gone. We say nothing in the car but I know he felt it too. The heat of his body on mine. The perfect fit. I have to get my act together. I mean, he's old enough to be my dad.

The minute we step in, our phones chime. It's a notification. I smile as I read the headline.

I guess I just made the news.